The Buzz: Heisman news and views

First order of business: The Heisman Trust expresses its deepest condolences toDoug Flutie, who lost both of his parents within an hour of each other last week. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Flutie family during this time of sorrow.

Meanwhile, the 2015 Heisman race now enters its 12th week. Continuing our traditional weekly feature on Heisman.com, we’ve rounded up the latest news and updates from around the media world to help keep you posted on what’s happening with current contenders and past winners.

(Disclaimer — The Heisman Trophy Trust and Heisman.com does not endorse any college football player for the Heisman Memorial Trophy. The information contained here serves as a platform of information for fans and media, and is not intended to contain a definitive and comprehensive list of possible contenders.)

The Buzz…

Heisman Watch Watch

Heisman voting has begun! Only two more weeks of games remain to influence the Heisman electorate one way or the other. The voting deadline is Dec. 7, with the finalists to be announced at 6 p.m. ET on the same date. The 81st Heisman Trophy will be awarded on Saturday, Dec. 12.

For now, here’s how the race stands according to media reports:

The Washington Post sees it as a two-man race between Alabama’s Derrick Henry and Stanford’s Christian McCaffrey … Playing Notre Dame this Saturday might give McCaffrey the stage he needs to pull ahead, says the San Jose Mercury News … Fox Sports has Henry leading, with FSU’s Dalvin Cook in second… The Washington Times thinks that Navy quarterback Keenan Reynolds should win the Heisman … The New Orleans Times-Picayune writes that the lights are flickering for LSU’s Leonard Fournette’s Heisman hopes … Heisman hopeful Ezekiel Elliott of Ohio State wasn’t happy with his coaches following his team’s loss to Michigan State … Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson is making a late charge at the Heisman .. So is MSU’s Dak Prescott, who placed seventh last season … Oklahoma’s Baker Mayfield is breaking new ground in the Heisman raceas a former walk on … Here’s one outlet that likes a defensive back as a Heisman contender.

Injury Watch

Mayfield missed the second half of last week’s game against TCU due to concussion-like symptoms. He recently passed a concussion test and could be good to go against Oklahoma State this weekend.

Campaign Watch

A couple Heisman web sites have been launched so far:

Stanford has built this nifty website for Christian McCaffrey

Florida State created this cool website on behalf of Dalvin Cook.

Heisman Dinner reminder…

Interested in attending the 81st Heisman dinner? Want to witness college football history in person? You can buy tickets here.

NFL Heisman Update

* Cam Newton continued his run at the NFL MVP award, throwing 5 TD passes and 246 yards on 21 of 34 passing as the Panthers stayed undefeated with a 44-16 victory over the Redskins.
* Carson Palmer was 20 of 31 for 317 yards and 4 TDs (with 2 picks) as the Cardinals beat the Bengals, 34-31.
* Jameis Winston had his best game as a pro, throwing for 5 TDs and 246 yards on 19 of 29 passing as the Bucaneers crushed the Eagles, 45-17.
* Marcus Mariota went 22 of 35 for 231 yards and rushed for 29 yards and a touchdown in Tennessee’s 19-13 loss to the Jaguars.
* Charles Woodson had six tackles as the Raiders lost to the Lions, 18-13.

Johnny Manziel and Mark Ingram did not play due to bye weeks. Sam Bradfordwas injured and missed Philadelphia’s game against Tampa Bay.

Odds and Ends

Marcus Mariota‘s Heisman recently received a traditional Hawaiian blessing …Cam Newton says he plans to vote for ‘his little brother’ for Heisman … Check outJohn Walters’ piece in Newsweek on Christian McCaffrey’s grandfather … Ron Dayne‘s daughter, Jada, is one of 10 national finalists for the 2015 Wendy’s High School Heisman Award … Mike Garrett is now the athletic director at Cal-State Los Angeles.

Heisman picture of the week
[Courtesy of 11 Warriors]

A cat strikes the Heisman pose.